Help Save a Life: Adopt from a Shelter

August 23 2014 by Mark

Deciding to add a new pet to your household can be an exciting and life-changing time for your family. With many avenues out there for finding pets, I hope adopting a pet from a shelter or humane society is at the top of your list.

Although there is a stigma that shelter pets are “damaged” in some way, this is far from the truth. In fact, shelters such as the Humane Society of Greater Dayton will only adopt out animals we know to be healthy and happy. If for some reason there is some sort of chronic health issue, we inform the adopters prior to adoption so everything is out in the open. There are many reasons why you should rescue your pet, but here are just a few additional reasons why you should consider saving your pet from a shelter.

You Have Many Options

Although baby animals are just adorable, there are plenty of options for breeds and ages of animals at our shelter. If you are looking for a calmer more mature pet who will sit by your side and lounge, we have those. If you want a young pet that can grow old with your family, we have those, too. From babies to teens, adults to seniors, there are many types of animals at the shelter to fit with the needs of you or your family and our staff will work with you to find the perfect pet.

You Pets Have Been Cared For

By adopting through a reputable shelter or humane society, you are guaranteed your pet has been given the unconditional love and care needed to be healthy and happy. At our facility, all animals are examined by our veterinarian, spay/neutered and in top-shape prior to adoption. If there are any chronic illnesses with a certain animal, our adoption counselors go over all the information prior to the adoption to ensure the adopter is aware of all challenges that may arise with their new family member. Our goal is to make this the perfect fit for you and your pet.

You Save Money

Going through a breeder or pet store, you can spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars for an animal. At the humane society, you have a bigger variety of animals to choose from and you will pay far less. Plus, with your adoption, you are getting an animal that is vaccinated, spayed or neutered, microchipped among other things for each type. For example, we also de-worm, flea-treat, heartworm test and give monthly preventative treatments to all of our dogs. For our cats we also de-worm, test for FELV or FIV and flea-treat them. For the price you are paying, you’re getting a bargain by adopting a shelter animal!

You Get Expertise of an Entire Staff

When you adopt from our shelter, you not only get an amazing furry friend to add to your family, but you also get our staff as a resource for you. From recommendations on a vet to information on what type of food to feed your pet, our staff is well-trained to help people and pets make the transition from shelter to home as flawless as possible. We are here to work with the adopters to ensure the adoption is successful and fits just right with your needs.

You’re Saving a Life

Whether you are picking an animal from a “high-kill” or “no-kill” animal shelter, the truth remains the same. You are saving a life. By removing this animal from the shelter lifestyle you are giving a homeless animal a second chance at the life they deserve. You are giving them a loving home and a family to call their own.

ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge

Let’s show the world how great the Miami Valley is! As part of the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton is competing against 49 other shelters nationally. Part of this challenge is to get your community engaged. The shelter receiving the most votes can win $25,000. You can vote once per day through the end of August. Vote now by visiting www.votetosavelives.org. Simply find the Humane Society of Greater Dayton and click “Go” confirm your vote and you’re done! Help us to help even more animals in need right in our community, vote today and every day through the end of the month!

Do you have a question for Brian? E-mail him at AskBrian@hsdayton.org. Brian Weltge is the President and CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. The Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to building loving relationships between people and pets. Founded 112 years ago, it is the largest and most established “no-kill” animal welfare agency in the area. It focuses on pet adoptions, eliminating pet overpopulation, providing education and ensuring the humane treatment of animals. For more information about the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, call 937- 268-PETS (7387) or visit www.hsdayton.org.